It’s been forever and 10 days since I’ve done something creative makeup-wise. Some beauty blogger I am, huh? Welllllls, through Coupons.com I was gifted with a $50 gift card to Sephora in hopes that I’d feature using one product or products and do multiple looks with them. I loves a challenge. I also have this extreme obsession with Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics’ Lip Tars. I mean, look at ’em…

Sexy, ain’t they? Every few seasons OCC gives us a smashing deal of 5 Lip Tars for only $49. This is a crazy awesome deal because one Lip Tar usually costs $18. The Pro’s Picks Lip Tar Set v2.0 contains 5 unique shades that can be worn alone or mixed together to create your own shade.

(l-r)
Hoochie, Lydia, Pretty Boy, Iced and Kava Kava

Of course Hoochie is my favorite. That vibrant magenta is quite the stunner.

I wanted to create two additional lip colors using good ole’ Hooch as my base.

I had to use flash on the camera for a lot of these pics because Hooch is so hard to photograph. But wow…I love it.

I did some mixin’ with Hoochie and Pretty Boy and came up with this…

…and then I mixed Hoochie with Lydia and Iced.

Iced alone is pretty magnificent. I can’t wait to find other ways to use that beautiful frosty white. 5 Lip Tars for $50 is such a great deal and I am so going to be looking out for their next season’s release. That’s what I love about Sephora. You can always find some awesome beauty deal that you aren’t able to find other places. Check out what my fellow beauty bloggin’ ladies have featured in our Coupons.com giveaway blog hop!

My morning schedule is absolute madness. It isn’t even funny. Going back to work after maternity leave has had its challenges and Esposo and I are still trying to handle them efficiently, but dude…how do people do it? Getting myself and a baby ready for the day is tough enough but add in getting breakfast, lunch, washing bottles, pumping and trying not to forget anything and it’s like…whoa. By 7am I feel like I’ve already done enough for the day.

That said, when it comes to beautifying, I have a good 5-7 minutes to get it together. And even that’s pushing it. We all know how much I love a good lip and usually achieve one by pullin’ out a lipliner and lipstick but come on, y’all…ain’t nobody got time for all that. Fo reals.

Instead, I’ve been having a love affair with 2 of these new NARS Satin lip pencils.

Oh my, are they heavenly. I mean, my gooooodness…

And I know what you’re thinking, “B, it’s just ANOTHER lip pencil to hit the market. What’s the big deal?” Yah. I said the same thing. I don’t know, y’all. Except for the fact that these aren’t self-sharpening (ugh, hate that), these are actually better than many of the pencils that I’ve tried. And I’ve tried a lot.

For one these babies are nice and hydrating. I still like to put down a base of a balm before application but it’s great that I don’t have to worry about my lips being drier than the Sahara. And the color intensity is just well, intense!

Luxembourg is described as a watermelon and it’s just beautiful! ‘Scuse my imperfect application. Please don’t let it overshadow the awesome that is Luxembourg.

I could seriously wear this lipstick daily. Oh wait. I did wear it 2 weeks in a row. Womp.

And then there’s Palais Royal, a stunning Sangria…

I know, right?

I’m pretty much obsessed with these and I love how they leave a bit of stain behind. So yes, they will fade over time but not for a very long time. And since it’s a pencil, I’m able to line my lips, apply and then toss in my purse all under 2 minutes.

You done well, NARSy. You done well.

The Beauty Basics

Price: $25/pencilAvailability: At Sephora.com, NARS.com and at Sephora counters Limited Edition?: NopeDo I recommend?: Hecks yah! I mean, they aren’t cheap but c’mon, when has NARS ever been cheap? If you’re okay with splurging, I think you’ll really like these. They are nice and as hydrating as lip pencils can be. Plus, the color selection is just really nice. You’ll definitely find something that suits you.

Are you a lover of lip pencils or do you find them to be pretty gimmicky?

It’s true! The male species have lips. At least most of ’em. And if any of yours are like mine, they may be a bit “particular” about what they put on their lips. And not “particular” in a good way. And yeah, I know it’s not easy being married to a beauty editor. I’m always chasing after Esposo asking him to Smell this and Try that. And he’d rather eat burnt asparagus than acquiesce. Help with web design? Sure! Let me use his hand to swatch a lippy? NEVER! But when I told good ‘ol Esposo that Jack Black was a brand made for the fellas, he actually let me apply these popular balms on his lips. Score! I got these for review and now we are both kinda obsessed with them.

You’ve spotted this brand at Sephora before, haven’t you? I’ve been eyeing them for years but I am just now trying out these lippies. These babies are popular! My fellow beauty bloggin’ sisters are always ravin’ about the awesomeness that is Jack Black.

I’ve got good news…they are only lightly scented. Woo hoooooo! Nothing irritates me more than a lip balm that is insanely fragrant. If you’ve ever liked how Vaseline feels on the lips, then you’ll love how JB feels. It’s thick, hydrating and smooth. It feels fantastic when worn solo and worn with a lipstick on top.

And it’s nice to have a lip balm with SPF in it. I’m sold. And so is the guy. At $7.50, they may be a little bit more than the average lip balm, but they are definitely worth their price. Especially if you’re a fan of having SPF in your lip balms. You can get these from Sephora stores and at Sephora.com.

So like a realllllllyyyyy long long loooong time ago, I was all obsessed with the brand CARGO. Some people are obsessed with shoes, some folx like hats (you know, like the ones people rock at the Kentucky Derby when they bet on horses), I obsess over cosmetics. Obviously. I’m not sure what happened but my love affair with them just…ended. Don’t you hate when that happens? It’s like one minute you’ll be obsessed with a song and then the next, you’re just like…over it. Okay, so fast forward a few years and CARGO and I are friendly again thanks to these press samples being sent to me. Yaaaayyyy!!!!

CARGO is currently sold in Ulta and at cargocosmetics.com, but I’m almost positive that they used to be sold in Sephora. I wish they’d go back to good ole’ Seph. But whatever – I’m just happy that I can buy them whenever now because it seemed to be that they weren’t so widely available years ago.

One of my faaaavorie things about the brand is their AMAZING bronzers. Mark my words – CARGO rules in the bronzer department. This Beach Blush in Echo Beach is absolutely lovely.

Don’t be silly and try to use each individual color. No no, loves. Simply swirl a brush in there and apply it all over the cheeks.

Yep, that’s Elle’s little head at my chin. I’m a multi-tasking mama! Packing-wise, I love these bronzers but it’s really the longevity that make them stellar. I can use this bronzer on top of a powder and it will last a good 8 hours. Fo reals!

And then there’s the Essential Palette…

Who knew CARGO did eyeshadows so well? Priced well at $32, this palette in Warm Neutral is the perfeeeect everyday palette. I love how all of the shadows are matte but they weren’t chalky. In fact, the only issue I had was with the Browbone color. It was a bit frostier than I would have liked. I managed to tone it down a bit using a primer but by itself…wowsers.

Lippy-wise, I was sent the darling coral and shimmery darling.

A simple gloss, yes but it’s dainty and would probably be fantastic over a highly pigmented lipstick. It’s the kind of gloss that is appropriate for outdoor fancy affairs but it also works well if you need something subtle but nice.

Prices:

Bronzer – $30
Essentials Palette – $32
Lipgloss – $14

Availability:

I am beyond impressed with what CARGO has been doing lately. I’ve got some mascaras of theirs that I can’t wait to review so stay tuned for those reviews. Any CARGO lovers in the house? Have you ever tried the brand?

The Makeup Wars gals are back with another post and I am super excited to feature this one. I’ve been catchin’ up on beauty trends and I am excited to announce that rocking black lipliner is finally a legit trend.

Yes!! ‘Bout time, right? For years, many of us would rock black EYEliner on our lips. I’m not even going to front and act like I didn’t. Black eyeliner and silver gloss blended together was totally my look in high school. It wasn’t until I hit college where I realized that rockin’ black liner on the lips didn’t compliment me. Or anyone for that matter. And so I let it go.

But after flipping through magazines and hittin’ the beauty blogs, I’ve come across so many articles that are announcing that black liner on the lips is finally in. I’ve seen it worn several ways.

There’s the thick liner with very little blending…

And my favorite, thick liner WITH red lipstick. Yes!!!

Fierce, right? I’m loving it and I am so glad that this trend is officially a trend. I know brown girls everywhere are rejoicing. I’ve even heard that some brands will be launching black lipliner. No need to use your black eyeliner for your lips anymore. I love how versatile this look is. It’s perfect for those of us who have to be all professional on our jobs but then it’s also great for after-work Happy Hour with the girls. I’m thinking black liner on the lips will be my signature look. I am just that much in love with it.

Whatcha think, gals? Are you feeling this look?

Check out some of the other trends my Makeup Wars sisters are rockin’…

I know. I can’t stop talking about ’em. Yah. I am that obsessed with Maybelline’s Color Sensational lipsticks. These things are magnificent, y’all. And so unexpected! I mean, who knew that a drugstore brand would be launching such beautiful and BRIGHT lipsticks? This never happens. We usually have to head to department stores to see brilliance. Maybelline is givin’ us face this season.

…and I am soooo here for it. I’ve been braggin’ about the awesomeness of these thangs for quite some time so please allow me to show them off via pics. You cool with that?

Formula-wise, they are like traditional lipsticks in that they may be a bit drying so wearing a lip balm underneath them is a must. Wear time is dependent on what you got goin’ on. A ton of eating and drinking may result in your lipstick fading a bit but I think that’s to be expected. I find that I get the best wear time out of these when I blot with a tissue after applying. Some have a bit of a stain-effect so even if I’m drinking on somethin’, the color will stick around a bit longer.

And now the beauties –

Brazenberry is a cool medium berry. It’s such an interesting shade of purple. I found it worked best when I wore it with a plum lipliner.

Electric Orange is a straight up ORANGE lipstick. It definitely isn’t for the faint of heart. I was surprised at how I can wear this without a liner or anything. ‘Scuse my flaky lippies on this one.

Hot Plum is a vivid magenta and I found it to be extremely wearable.

Neon Red is an orange-y red and it is briiiiight. It has quite a bit of orange for me but I can still rock it confidently. This is THE lippy color of the season.

On Fire Red is a great blue toned red lipstick. If Neon Red isn’t exactly up your alley, On Fire Red is it.

Pink Pop is a frosty bubblegum pink.

Vivid Rose is my absolute favorite of the bunch. It’s a punchy hot pink that is officially my color of the season.

Of course you can grab all of these at Target. That is, if you can find them. It was hard tracking these babies down because they are super popular. Simply put – these rocks. Especially if you’re the type to be a bit adventurous in the lipstick department.

Which one are you lovin’ the most?

It’s Time for Springtime.

Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.

Urban Decay has recently added some slammin’ new lippies to their Lip Junkie lipgloss line and I was sent a couple of ’em to review. Say ‘allo to Obsessed and Trashed.

This is my first time trying these Lip Junkies and I’m really just trying to figure out what took me so long to jump on the bandwagon. These are awesome!

If you’re a fan of non-sticky glosses that have a ton of moisture packed in them, I think you’ll like these glosses. They are fantastic for wearing over a lipstick and if you don’t mind the sheerness, they are okay worn alone too. If you are looking for more pigment, you likely won’t find them in any of the UD Lip Junkie lipglosses. But that’s okay , UD has other products for you to haul if it’s extreme lip color you’re looking for.

Obsessed is a pale milky cream of a gloss. I actually really dig how it looks alone.

Trashed is a bright pink with silver shimmer and the shimmer is definitely more apparent when worn over a lipstick.

I’m kinda in love with the packaging of these lipglosses. They are a little on the large size but the top is all fancy and they still manage to fit nicely in my cosmetic bag. Application is easy although if you are a fan of more of an even coverage, your best bet is to apply this gloss with a lip brush.

I got a good 2-3 hours of wear time out of these. You’ll definitely have to reapply after eating or drinking but no biggie…I do that most of the time with most lipglosses anyway.

The Beauty Basics

Price: $19/each.Availability:Sephora.com, Sephora stores and UrbanDecay.com.Limited Edition?: NoWorth The Price?: They are pretty expensive for lip glosses but UD lovers won’t mind the splurge if they don’t mind how sheer these are.

Giiiiiirl, Milani has some new lipsticks and I am swooning! Their lippies have gone through quite the makeover. From the packaging to the formula, everything about these new lipsticks is spectacular. I’m going to be reviewing all of the color families but first up are the ever so sexy oranges and reds…

Best Red is a true red matte and although that’s Milani’s description, it didn’t appear to be TOO matte for me. I’m not complaining though. It’s stunning and is definitely one of my favorites in the bunch.

Cherry Crave is a red pearl metallic that has a gorgeous amount of shimmer. It definitely has the most shimmer than any of the other lipsticks.

High Voltage is a red orange vinyl and colors like these don’t compliment me best but it’s pretty nonetheless.

Orange Gina is an orange bronze-y pearl. The finish is frosty and I’m not a fan but the shade is a bit off-putting on me too.

Red Label is a bright red cream is a fantastic red. It is my absolute favorite because it’s blue-toned and just woooonderful. I also found it to be the most moisturizing.

Ruby Valentine is a deeper red vinyl. It’s my second favorite red in this collection

Sweet Nectar is an orange cream and I wish this orange loved me as much as I love it. But naw. It’s just not that flattering on my skin. But whatever. I’m going to rock it anyway with a lipliner. Watch!

I’m sure some of the reds look similar but nope, they are all very different be it the finish, addition of subtle shimmer or blue or orange tuned hinges.

The Beauty Basics

Yes Milani. Yes! I love everything about these lipsticks. Of course I didn’t expect every shade to look phenomenal on me but I was impressed with the finishes and longevity of the lippies. Of course the price point is fantastic too. Stay tuned for more features of Milani’s Color Statement Lipsticks.

Instagram Is Love

4 days agoby clumpsofmascaraSome of y'all have your coffee and then crazy folx like me blend up spinach, an apple and an entire lemon to drink. Had one kid in my stomach craving it and a kid on the outside steal half. Righteous.

1 day agoby clumpsofmascaraHomemade pasta with seafood bits. A bit salty but ohmigoodness, what a hearty and delicious stew-like bowl of flavors in Winter Park.

3 days agoby clumpsofmascaraGood morning, risk takers! Today I'm doing something incredibly challenging and scary. I make it a habit to push myself to the limit often. You should, too. Come on. DO IT NOW!!

5 days agoby clumpsofmascara'Best be your on cheerleader. Don't wait for a pat on the back. Or a LIKE or comment. You don't need to have a slew of approvals from anyone. Be dynamic for YOU!

3 days agoby clumpsofmascara#iRepost@tjmaxx : "Wanted for fall: A bold new bag. - Mannnn, why can't I ever find items like this when I'm in TJ Maxx? A purple bag? I want one!!

1 week agoby clumpsofmascaraScooped up some new head wraps from @thewraplife . In loooooove with these prints. Can't wait to chop them for mommy & daughter twin wraps.

21 hours agoby clumpsofmascara#iRepost@occmakeup : "Introducing our first look at #LipTarRTW , launching on August 14th! Left to right: Vintage, Black Metal Dahlia, Lydia, Anime & Rx! Stay tuned as we reveal the next 5 shades next week!" --- Soooo, makeup and OCC Lip Tar fans, what do we think about this new packaging? I'm kinda excited about it!

2 days agoby clumpsofmascaraI neeeed time to myself. Marriage and parenthood did not change this. Every morning, I wake up earlier than everyone else. And just be. No demands. No rushing. I do what I want. I sip my tea and pray and read and polish my nails. Or I do nothing. It does SO much for my sanity and peace. Mamas and daddies, give it a try. - [NOTE] This likely doesn't work with newborns. Those tiny humans own every fiber of your being. Happy Friday!

5 days agoby clumpsofmascaraNail polishing in a parking lot. Look. Gotta pamper when and where you can.

5 days agoby clumpsofmascaraMy coworker goes, "I haven't bought a lipstick in a year." Oh no!!! She must not know 'bout me. Tomorrow is National Lipstick Day and I've got to get her prepared! Packing her a nice goody bag of lipsticks. I'm the same way if you visit my house. NO ONE leaves empty-handed. Beauty goodies for all!

6 days agoby clumpsofmascaraBeen tackling my hurr these days. Which is a big deal because I'm usually pretty lazy. Test drove some @LovinMyTextures products and yessss, I LOVE them! Check out my review. It's in the bio. Much love to @lovettehair for my tri-color situation. ❤️

3 days agoby clumpsofmascaraAnd on today's agenda...food photography. I would love to be a food blogger. But I don't want to cook. Ever.